Exploring Budapest: ‘The Pearl Of The Danube’

Our day in Budapest started with a quick stop at the Citadel to see the panoramic views of the city. It was then followed by gastronomic adventures at the Great Market Hall. Afterwards, our Hungarian tour guide gave an orientation about Budapest while driving around some of the interesting places of the city.

It was only then I came to learn that Budapest is divided into two parts – Buda and Pest. So I guess it made sense that the city eventually was given the name Budapest. What’s more interesting was to learn the correct pronunciation of Budapest. All the while, I thought I was pronouncing it right. However, the Hungarian pronunciation is “boo-dah-pesht”.

The Danube river separates Buda and Pest. Buda, on the west, comprise of wooded areas and hilly lands. Pest, on the other hand, is basically a flat land that occupies the east side of the river.

Buda Castle District

On the Buda side you will find some of interesting sites like the Buda Castle, Citadella, Fisherman’s Bastion, Trinity Square and the Thermals Baths.

Our walking tour started at the Fisherman’s Bastion to the Holy Trinity Square until we finally explored the rest of the Buda Castle District.

The Fisherman’s Bastion

The Holy Trinity Square

Thermal Baths

Some of the thermal baths are found along the left bank of the Danube river. These thermal baths has medicinal claims. It is said that the baths can cure degenerative joint illnesses, chronic and sub-acute joint inflammations, as well as orthopedic and post traumatic treatments.

Gellert Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Iconic bridges that connects Buda and Pest

There are four bridges that connects Buda and Pest. Of the four mentioned below, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and Liberty Bridge are considered iconic because these bridges were built during the 1800’s. Both eventually became famous landmarks of the city in recent times.

The Széchenyi Chain Bridge

The Liberty Bridge

Margareth Bridge

Elisabeth Bridge

Pest is the center of commercial life in the city. Some of the significant parts of Pest are the Old (Historic) Town, Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes Square and Andrassy Avenue.

Pest Iconic Landmarks

The Parliament Building

The Great Market Hall

Balna Commercial Center

The Art Gallery

Budapest is the city I never thought I would come to love. From the first glance I was blown away of how beautiful it is in every angle. There’s no doubt why it’s called ‘The Pearl of the Danube’.

The only regret I have was the short amount of time I got to spend in the city. Given another chance I would definitely come back and enjoy Budapest in a heartbeat.

I was just in Budapest last week and I fell in love with the city! Looks like you had better luck with the weather than I did though. I had 2 cold days with pouring rain and 1 final morning of sun. Your photos turned out super well too!

wow such a great fact 🙂 I had no idea Budapest in divided in two parts ! Ive always wanted to visit but I havent had chance yet ! But I need to book my flight soon as it looks so lovely! The bridges looks stunning!

Wow! I had no idea Budapest was so beautiful! I will have to add this to my bucket list! Looks like a happy place! I really enjoyed this post! The castles are unbelievable! I never get to see things like that at home!

I´ve been to Budapest a couple of times when I was a little one. My parents, grandparents and my brother and cousins visit Hungary a lot in former times. I always loved it being there. We spent so much time in the Thermals Baths. I would love to go back one day, to see everything with “grown-up” eyes. Love the way you describe the different sites. What do you think about Hungarian food? Any special surprises at the great market hall?

I too had one day in Budapest, but you seem to have seen more than I did. It’s interesting to see that the city looks even better now, many years after my visit. I also remarked it now has interesting specimens of modern architecture (your third photo from below), which was not the case then.

This place is on my from very long! but I have also heard that many travelers face language barriers over there. I was looking for all in one article about the place and found yours! Thanks for this amazing writeup. has helped me alot. Cheers!

What a beautiful city. I’ve heard great thinks from other travelers about Budapest. After reading this post I definitely would like to visit. What do you think is the appropriate amount of time to spend?

The city is quite big and there are quite a few interesting places to visit. You may need a two to three days to experience all the sights and sound that this city has to offer. Thanks for dropping by… 🙂

Amazing blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Appreciate it